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Tareq Abadl: Post-Transfusion Reactions – Can You Identify the Cause?
Jul 5, 2026, 19:53

Tareq Abadl: Post-Transfusion Reactions – Can You Identify the Cause?

Tareq Abadl, Medical Lab Specialist, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Post-Transfusion Reactions: Can You Identify the Cause?

Not all post-transfusion reactions are the same.

As a Medical Laboratory Scientist, recognizing the type of reaction is essential because the laboratory plays a critical role in the investigation.

Common Post-Transfusion Reactions:

Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction (AHTR)

Usually caused by ABO incompatibility.

Symptoms: Fever, chills, back pain, hypotension, hemoglobinuria.

Medical emergency requiring immediate investigation.

Febrile Non-Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction (FNHTR)

Caused by cytokines or recipient antibodies reacting with donor leukocytes.

Symptoms: Fever (≥1°C increase) and chills without evidence of hemolysis.

One of the most common transfusion reactions.

Allergic Transfusion Reaction

Caused by hypersensitivity to donor plasma proteins.

Symptoms: Itching, urticaria, and skin rash.

Usually mild but should always be assessed.

Blood Bank Investigation May Include:

  • Stop the transfusion immediately.
  • Perform a clerical check.
  • Repeat ABO/Rh testing.
  • Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT).
  • Inspect plasma for hemolysis.
  • Additional testing as clinically indicated.

Remember: Every suspected transfusion reaction must be investigated—even when compatibility testing is acceptable.

Early recognition and prompt laboratory investigation are essential for patient safety.”

Tareq Abadl

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